When Josh Hart was traded to the Knicks at the deadline last season, it was viewed by many as the most underrated acquisition.
Right away it was clear his grittiness and passion on court was just what the Knicks needed. They went on a nine game win streak following the trade, and advanced past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in ten years.
Hart proved that he’s a pivotal piece to this Knicks team and was signed to a four-year, $81 million deal in August.
Years ago one person predicted Hart would be the perfect piece in New York. Knicks legend, Carmelo Anthony.
“I don’t even know if he’ll remember this conversation, but Melo was like, ‘You’d be a perfect fit in New York.’ And this was three years ago,” Hart said in a recent interview with Haute Living magazine. “I was like, ‘Yeah, that would be a bucket list play for me.
And then, obviously, it all came full circle. Now, I get to put on a Knicks jersey, go out there and represent this city.”
Suiting up as a Knick was always an interest to Hart.
“I just remember [Anthony] mentioned that, and for me, playing in New York was always something I felt would’ve been really cool. I felt like my personality, my game kind of really meshed well with the city and how they are. So, it was a dope moment.”
Hart knew how similar he is to New Yorkers.
“New Yorkers are a lot like me. They drop the polite. They tell you what is what; they’re frank, and I love that. I don’t beat around the bush, and [like having that reciprocated]: I want you to tell me what’s what. So, New York for sure feels more like home, and hopefully, that can be home for a long, long time.”
In 25 games as a Knick in the regular season Hart averaged 10.2 points, seven rebounds and 3.6 assists in just over 30 minutes. He’s now going into his first full season in New York.
Quickly after the trade Hart became a fan favorite. He’s spoken multiple times about how he wants to call New York home, and now it looks like he’ll be a long-term piece there.
It’s safe to say Anthony was right.
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Featured photo courtesy of the New York Knicks
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